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Free Museum Days at SF’s Contemporary Jewish Museum: Thanksgiving Weekend 2024 (Nov. 29-Dec. 1)

Friday, November 29, 2024 - 11:00 am to 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Book free tickets at thecjm.org

Contemporary Jewish Museum | 736 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA

Free / RSVP

Free Museum Month at SF’s Contemporary Jewish Museum (thru Dec. 15)

The Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM) in San Francisco has, unfortunately, announced it will temporarily close its galleries for at least one year, beginning December 16, 2024, due to financial challenges.

The good news (if there is any, here) is that in order to give the public an opportunity to experience the museum before the closure, CJM is offering free admission through December 15, 2024 waiving the usual $16 entry fee.

Contemporary Jewish Museum
Visit for free through December 15, 2024
Open Thursdays through Sundays | 11a-5p (closed Thanksgiving)
Book Free Tickets

Current Exhibitions

  • California Jewish Open – Transdisciplinary artist Nicki Green’s first museum solo exhibition delves into questions of identity, transformation, and reinvention of Jewish traditions through new and existing artworks in ceramic, installation, fiber, and more.
  • Nicki Green: Firmament – Marking the first time the space has been activated in this way since the building’s opening, Bay Area artist Leah Rosenberg transforms The CJM’s Yud Gallery through light and color, creating a welcoming environment for visitors to reflect, rest, and wonder.
  • L’Chaim: Celebrating Our Building at 15 – This exhibition delves into the deep symbolism imbued in The CJM’s iconic building, inspired by the Hebrew phrase l’chaim (“to life”).

The CJM’s current home, designed by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, opened in 2008 and uniquely combines the historic 1881 power station with a bold blue geometric structure. This architectural fusion, inspired by the Hebrew word “chai” (meaning “life”), has made the building a recognizable part of San Francisco’s cultural landscape. With free admission through mid-December, visitors can explore both the exhibits and this distinctive building before the temporary pause.

The museum’s Board of Trustees emphasized that this closure is a proactive measure to stabilize finances and plan for the future, rather than a permanent shutdown. The Board has likened this period to a “Sabbath” pause, giving time for planning and exploration of new ways to reach audiences and ensure long-term sustainability.

Since its founding, the CJM has worked to foster understanding of Jewish culture, counter antisemitism, and serve the Bay Area community. As the museum prepares for its sabbatical, it encourages visitors to enjoy its galleries, exhibitions, and architecture at no cost through December 15.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.


Cost: FREE*
*Book free tickets at thecjm.org
Categories: *Top Pick*, Art & Museums, Discount Tix / Promo Codes, Downtown San Francisco, Free Museum Day, In Person
Address: 736 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA

Friday, November 29, 2024

6:30 am   Free Ferry Ride Day: SF <-> Richmond Rides Free on Black Friday (2024)  FREE*
*Free rides every Friday on San Francisco Richmond Ferries from November 1 to end of 2024. No reservations required but seats are first come first served
9:00 am   Japanese Tea Garden’s Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)  FREE*
*Free from 9-10am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; otherwise non-resident admission is $12 - $16 depending on the season. San Francisco residents are always free with valid ID
10:00 am   SF’s Civil War Era Fort’s New Film Series (July – Dec. 2024)  FREE
10:00 am   SF’s 40th Annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair (Nov. 23-Dec. 22)  $45*
*General Admission is $45; special discounts available
11:00 am   75% Off: Black Friday at SF’s Buffalo Exchange (Nov. 29-30)  FREE
11:00 am   “Pay-What-You-Can” Taco Day at SF’s Tato (Every Friday)  FREE*
*Every Friday pay anywhere from $0 up to $10. When a customer pays the full price of $10, TATO will give a free meal to someone in need in The City. Please note promotion might end at any time
4:00 pm   Fan Expo San Francisco at Moscone Center (Nov. 29-Dec. 1)  $35
4:00 pm   Santa Rosa Winter Lights Tree Lighting Celebration (2024)  FREE
4:30 pm   Ghirardelli Square’s 2024 Holiday Lighting Ceremony  FREE
5:00 pm   $1 Drink Fridays: “Battle of the Decades” DJ Party (North Beach)  FREE*
*Free admission with RSVP on Eventbrite
5:00 pm   SF City Hall Lights Up for Thanksgiving 2024 (Nov. 28-29)  FREE
6:00 pm   2024 Festival of Lights Parade (Niles)  FREE
7:00 pm   SF’s HellaSecret “Crazy Funny Asians” Friday Night Comedy Showcase (7p + 8:45p)  FREE*
*Free tickets, but RSVP Required. Donations ($5-$10) greatly appreciated. Otherwise, $15 adv / $20 door tickets also available
7:00 pm   Laugh GPT: SF’s First AI-Powered Stand-up Comedy Show (2024)  FREE*
*Use secret code HUMAN for comp tickets, otherwise, $10 off with secret code FUNCHEAP
All Day   SF’s Black Friday Ice Skating Dance Party w/ WiLD 94.9 at Union Square  $20*
*$20 adult tix (includes skate rental)
7:00 pm   “Rush Hour Comedy Night” w/ SFs Best Black & Asian Comedians (The Function)  FREE*
*RSVP Required
7:00 pm   FREE: Oakland’s HellaSecret Comedy & Cocktail Night 2024 (7p + 9p Shows)  FREE*
*Limited free tickets with code FUNCHEAP (donations appreciated). Otherwise use code FUNCHEAP5 for $5 off early bird and general admission tickets
7:30 pm   “Amadeus” Film w/ Live Orchestra from San Francisco Symphony (Nov. 29-30)  $99
7:30 pm   Multi-Platinum Recording Artist “G-Eazy” Live at the Fox Theater (Oakland)  FREE*
*WIN
7:30 pm   A Season of Winter Wonder at Chabot Space & Science Center (Nov. 29 – Jan. 5)  FREE*
*Some events are free, some included with admission and some are paid tickets
8:00 pm   SF’s 17-Year Run “Secret Improv Society” (Fridays & Saturdays)  $20*
*Normally $25, use secret code FUNCHEAP for $5 off tickets
8:00 pm   “The Stoner Comedy Jam” Friday Nights (SF)  FREE*
*Free with RSVP (21+ with Valid ID) - One item minimum purchase per person required
10:15 pm   SF’s Free Late Night “Crazy Funny Asians” 10pm Comedy Show (Fri & Sat)  FREE*
*Free tickets, but RSVP Required. Donations ($5-$10) greatly appreciated. Otherwise, $25 door tickets also available
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